| Author | Message | ||
     Kalali |
This had happened a couple of times before but it's getting a bit more frequent. Hit the starter switch and nothing happens. I hear the relay clicking when I hit the switch but that's it. Then all of a sudden it works. Got the bike home and cleaned all the grounds and starter connections I could see except the switch gear on the handlebar. Works OK now but not sure it will happen again. I'll take a look inside the starter switch on the bar tomorrow. Anything else to check or look out for when opening the two screws on the switch assembly? Any springs to fly off? Thanks. And anyone who says you can push start an X1 must be a Superman! | ||
| Bluzm2 |
It's the contactor inside the starter. I've had it happen on my S2 and my M2. A rebuild kit is about $40 or so. I was able to clean mine up with a file. It lasted for quite a while. | ||
| Andymnelson |
but yes, there is a little cone shaped spring in the switch that will fly away never to found if you're not careful when dissambling. Damhik. | ||
| Oldironsides |
Bluzm2, Form what your recommending can you repair without removing the primary cover and then starter. My bike is doing the same thing and I've checked everything else and all is good. the bad news is I just replace the oil and man it sure would suck to have to do it again. Thanks, Jon | ||
| Jim2 |
Possible starter relay and/or ignition relay. It happened to me as you described. Months of problems where I hit the starter and nothing, mash the starter button again it starts. Sometimes I had to hit the starter button five or six times. After replacing both relays have never had a problem since, and yeah I cleaned the contact and checked all grounds long before deciding to replace the two relays. It's cheaper to try than to get to the starter and at worst you end up with a couple of spare relays. | ||
| Sloppy |
Likely it's your battery. Perform a "cheap" test by putting the battery on a charger. If it's the battery then invest in a "Battery Tender". Well worth the price and can be used across all your vehicles. The Tender has saved me a few hundred dollars over its lifetime. | ||
| Snowbees |
What Bluzm2 said, i had the same problem, at first i replaced the relay, cleaned all earths, +ve connections and the start button but it was still sticking and not turning the motor even with a new battery. Took the three screws off the starter solenoid cover to find the copper ring on the plunger was badly pitted, i cleaned it up on a lathe with a file, also cleaned the two copper contacts inside the housing. Result was it now spins the starter like never before. over tightening the starter +ve terminal nut on the solenoid can also give you problems with starting, it can move the copper contact inside the solenoid housing. The solenoid cover should be removed when tightening the +ve terminal, hold the the copper contact in position while you tighten the nut. | ||
| Nallac |
but yes, there is a little cone shaped spring in the switch that will fly away never to found if you're not careful when dissambling. Damhik. yes....or take an hour crawling around the factory floor cursing an swearing,learnt a lesson that day... | ||
| Snowbees |
as for bump starting, put it in 5th gear and it should start at little more than walking pace. I heard of one starting when turning the back wheel by hand on a stand with the ignition on. very scary. | ||
| Kalali |
Thanks everyone. A lot of great input. I'm relatively sure both the battery and the solenoid plunger are good since when the "switch" does finally "catch" it starts right up effortlessly and the bike is hooked to a Tender while not in use, even overnight. And as for bump starting, I sweat my ass off trying to get the thing started, (are you ready?) initially in first and then second gears!! Fifth gear never even crossed my mind! Even trying to overcome the clutch drag was one hell of an effort by itself. I will replace the relays and check the switch just for completeness. Thanks again. | ||
| Snowbees |
i still think it is the solenoid plunger contact ring, when mine did finally "catch" it started effortlessly as well, but your problem as mine was, is trying to get it to finally catch. not a big job to remove the cover and have a look. You can check the relay by swapping it over with the ignition relay and there is a test for them in the manual. Clutch drag, check your adjustments as per manual to the word. | ||
| Kalali |
Thanks. The reason I did not suspect the solenoid was because there is no noise from the starter/solenoid unit - just a faint clicking noise from the relay. I will however take a look. As for the clutch, I had it adjusted before the end of season last year. The tranny fluid is due for change though. | ||
| Kalali |
Alright, took the plunger out and cleaned all visible copper surfaces inside and out. Also replaced both relays. Works fine now. We shall see... Thanks for all the suggestions. | ||
| 5liter |
I put a push button cover on my solenoid just in case. |
